Camp Counselor Resume examples & templates
Copyable Camp Counselor Resume examples
Ever had a summer job that changed your life? For thousands of young adults, being a camp counselor isn't just a seasonal gig—it's a transformative experience that builds leadership skills that last a lifetime. Camp counselors are the backbone of America's $18 billion summer camp industry, creating safe spaces where kids can disconnect from screens (finally!) and connect with nature and each other. The job combines the fun of outdoor activities with the serious responsibility of child development and safety.
The field is evolving too. Modern camp counselors are now trained in areas like mental health awareness and inclusive programming, reflecting camps' growing focus on emotional wellbeing alongside traditional activities. Many camps are expanding their seasons beyond summer, with year-round outdoor education programs creating more stable employment opportunities. And with Gen Alpha parents increasingly concerned about excessive screen time, the demand for quality outdoor experiences guided by passionate counselors is expected to grow by nearly 15% over the next five years. If you're looking for work that matters—where no two days are the same and "office views" include lakes and forests—camp counseling might be your calling.
Junior Camp Counselor Resume Example
Megan Turner
Denver, CO • (720) 555-8214 • megan.turner@email.com • linkedin.com/in/megan-turner
Enthusiastic and responsible camp counselor with 2 years of experience working with children ages 6-13. Skilled in organizing creative activities, promoting safety, and building positive relationships with campers. CPR/First Aid certified with a passion for outdoor education and youth development. Known for my energy, patience, and ability to think on my feet when things don’t go as planned!
EXPERIENCE
Lead Camp Counselor | Mountain Trails Summer Camp | Denver, CO | May 2023 – Present
- Supervise a group of 12 campers (ages 9-11) throughout daily activities while maintaining their safety and engagement
- Collaborate with 3 other counselors to plan and lead camp-wide events including talent shows and field days
- Designed and implemented a new nature exploration program that became the highest-rated activity with a 94% satisfaction score
- Mediate conflicts between campers using positive reinforcement techniques, reducing behavioral incidents by 27%
- Maintain communication with parents through weekly updates and address concerns promptly
Camp Counselor | Mountain Trails Summer Camp | Denver, CO | May 2022 – August 2022
- Assisted senior counselors in supervising 15 campers (ages 6-8) during daily activities and meal times
- Led morning circle time and afternoon craft sessions for groups of 8-10 campers
- Ensured campers followed safety protocols during swimming and hiking activities
- Helped organize and clean up activity areas, maintaining camp standards
Volunteer Tutor | Westside Community Center | Denver, CO | September 2021 – May 2022
- Tutored elementary school students in reading and math for 6 hours weekly
- Developed creative learning games to engage struggling students
- Participated in monthly training sessions on effective teaching methods
EDUCATION
Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education | Denver Community College | Expected graduation: December 2023
- GPA: 3.7
- Member of Student Education Association
- Relevant coursework: Child Development, Recreational Programming, Special Needs Inclusion
High School Diploma | Denver Central High School | June 2021
CERTIFICATIONS
- CPR and First Aid Certification (American Red Cross) – August 2022
- Youth Mental Health First Aid – March 2023
- Wilderness Safety Basics – April 2023
SKILLS
- Activity Planning & Implementation
- Conflict Resolution
- Group Leadership
- Child Supervision
- Team Collaboration
- Basic Spanish
- Outdoor Education
- Arts & Crafts Instruction
- Emergency Response
- Parent Communication
Mid-level Camp Counselor Resume Example
Molly Jameson
Portland, OR 97202 | (503) 555-8127 | mjameson@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/mollyjameson
Camp counselor with 5+ years of experience creating memorable summer experiences for children ages 6-14. Known for designing creative outdoor activities that blend fun with educational components. Certified in First Aid/CPR and wilderness safety with proven leadership managing up to 12 junior counselors. Passionate about fostering independence and confidence in campers while maintaining the highest safety standards.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Camp Counselor | Whispering Pines Summer Camp | Portland, OR | May 2021 – Present
- Lead team of 8 junior counselors serving 75+ campers weekly in outdoor adventure program
- Designed and implemented nature-based STEM curriculum that increased parent satisfaction ratings by 27%
- Coordinate weekly overnight camping trips for 30+ older campers, managing logistics, meal planning, and safety protocols
- Facilitate conflict resolution between campers, reducing reported incidents by 40% compared to previous seasons
- Serve as lead waterfront supervisor for swimming and boating activities (certified lifeguard)
Camp Counselor | Whispering Pines Summer Camp | Portland, OR | May 2019 – August 2020
- Supervised daily activities for group of 12 campers ages 8-10, ensuring safety and positive experiences
- Created “Forest Explorers” program that became camp’s most requested activity (94% signup rate)
- Trained 3 new counselors on camp procedures and effective group management techniques
- Managed camp store inventory and sales during designated shifts, balancing over $1,200 weekly
Junior Counselor | Camp Evergreen | Eugene, OR | Summers 2017-2018
- Assisted lead counselors with daily activities for 10-12 campers aged 6-8
- Led morning nature hikes and helped develop age-appropriate craft activities
- Served as backup lifeguard during swimming sessions (completed certification in 2017)
- Recognized as “Counselor of the Week” twice for exceptional enthusiasm and creativity
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 2019
Minor: Child Development Notable Coursework: Group Leadership Dynamics, Environmental Education, Child Psychology
CERTIFICATIONS
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – NOLS, 2021
- Lifeguard Certification – American Red Cross, renewed 2023
- CPR/First Aid for Professional Rescuers – American Red Cross, renewed 2023
- Leave No Trace Trainer Certification – 2020
SKILLS
- Activity Planning & Implementation
- Group Leadership & Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Emergency Response
- Outdoor Education
- Campcraft & Wilderness Skills
- Team Building Facilitation
- Risk Management
- Parent Communication
- Basic Spanish (conversational)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Volunteer Trail Guide | Forest Park Conservancy | Portland, OR | 2020 – Present
- Lead monthly educational hikes for families with children ages 5-12
- Develop interactive nature scavenger hunts and identification activities
Senior / Experienced Camp Counselor Resume Example
Melissa “Missy” Thorndike
Portland, OR | (503) 555-8724 | m.thorndike@emailpro.com | linkedin.com/in/missythorndike
Dedicated Camp Counselor and Youth Development Specialist with 8+ years of experience creating safe, engaging, and transformative outdoor experiences for diverse groups of children ages 6-17. Proven track record of designing nature-based programs that build confidence, foster teamwork, and develop leadership skills. Certified in Wilderness First Aid, Water Safety, and Crisis Prevention. Known for building lasting connections with campers that bring families back year after year (86% return rate for my groups).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Camp Coordinator | Evergreen Wilderness Camp | Portland, OR | May 2019 – Present
- Supervise staff of 12 junior counselors and specialists while directly managing the day-to-day experience of 60-75 campers aged 12-17
- Developed and implemented “Trail Blazers” leadership program for teens 15-17, resulting in 47% increase in teen enrollment and creating a pipeline of future junior counselors
- Lead specialized 5-day wilderness expeditions, teaching survival skills, environmental stewardship, and group problem-solving in remote settings
- Collaborate with camp director to update safety protocols, resulting in 0 major incidents for 3 consecutive summers
- Created comprehensive training program for new counselors that cut onboarding time from 2 weeks to 4 days
Lead Camp Counselor | Silverwood Summer Camp | Eugene, OR | June 2017 – August 2019
- Promoted to lead counselor after first summer, overseeing team of 6 counselors and 45+ campers aged 8-12
- Designed and led daily activities including canoeing, archery, hiking, and arts & crafts while ensuring appropriate supervision ratios
- Partnered with local nature center to create “Junior Naturalist” program that became the camp’s most requested activity
- Managed conflict resolution between campers using restorative justice techniques, reducing disciplinary incidents by 32%
- Maintained detailed daily logs and camper progress reports that parents rated 4.8/5 for helpfulness
Camp Counselor | Camp Wildwood | Bend, OR | Summers 2015-2017
- Supervised groups of 10-12 campers (ages 6-9) throughout daily activities and overnight stays
- Created age-appropriate games that reinforced camp themes of friendship, respect, and environmental awareness
- Coordinated with kitchen staff regarding dietary restrictions and allergies for my camper group
- Performed nightly cabin checks and managed homesickness concerns with empathy and patience
- Recognized as “Counselor of the Month” twice for exceptional camper engagement
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation | Portland State University | 2015
Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education | Lane Community College | 2013
Certifications:
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – Current
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI) – American Red Cross
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI) – Renewed 2022
- Leave No Trace Master Educator – 2020
- CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers – Current
SKILLS
- Youth Group Management
- Outdoor Education Curriculum Design
- Risk Assessment & Safety Planning
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Team Building Activities
- Special Needs Accommodation
- Environmental Education
- Emergency Response
- Parent Communication
- Talent Show Organization (my specialty is the camp-wide “Lip Sync Battle”)
How to Write a Camp Counselor Resume
Introduction
Landing that perfect summer camp job means showing directors you've got what it takes to keep kids safe, engaged, and having the time of their lives. Your resume is often your first chance to prove you're the right person for those campfire songs and kayak adventures. I've reviewed thousands of camp counselor applications over the years, and I'm always surprised by how many qualified candidates sell themselves short with lackluster resumes.
The good news? You don't need years of experience to create a standout camp counselor resume. What you do need is to highlight the right skills, experiences, and personal qualities that camp directors are desperately looking for.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your camp counselor resume clean and scannable - most camp directors spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each application during peak hiring season.
- Length: Stick to one page unless you have 5+ years of relevant experience
- Font: Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia at 10-12pt size
- Margins: 0.5-1 inch all around
- Sections: Contact info, summary, experience, skills, education, certifications
- File format: Save as PDF to preserve formatting (unless instructions specify otherwise)
Pro tip: Many summer camps are traditional organizations that prefer clean, straightforward resumes over flashy designs. Save the creativity for your cover letter and interview!
Profile/Summary Section
Your summary should be 2-4 sentences that capture your enthusiasm for working with kids and your most relevant qualifications. This is where personality can shine through!
For example: "Energetic Psychology student with 2 summers of experience leading nature activities for elementary-aged campers. Certified in First Aid/CPR with specialized training in conflict resolution. Known for creating inclusive environments where shy campers feel comfortable participating. Seeking Summer 2023 position at Camp Wildwood."
Professional Experience
Even if you haven't been a counselor before, you likely have transferable experience. Babysitting, tutoring, volunteer work with youth organizations, or even team captain roles all demonstrate leadership and responsibility.
- Focus on achievements over duties (e.g., "Developed a new rainy-day activity series that became part of the permanent camp curriculum" rather than "Led indoor activities")
- Use action verbs: Supervised, Created, Led, Organized, Mentored, Facilitated
- Include numbers when possible: "Supervised group of 12 campers ages 8-10" or "Planned and executed 6 themed evening programs"
- Highlight problem-solving moments: "Quickly reorganized outdoor Olympics during unexpected thunderstorm, maintaining camper enthusiasm despite change of plans"
Education and Certifications
Camps value both formal education and practical certifications. List your degree program (even if in progress) and any relevant coursework.
Must-have and nice-to-have certifications:
- First Aid/CPR (often required)
- Lifeguard certification (huge plus for waterfront positions)
- Wilderness First Responder
- Archery or other activity-specific certifications
- Youth mental health first aid
Keywords and ATS Tips
Larger camps might use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes. Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume:
- Child supervision
- Activity planning
- Behavior management
- Safety protocols
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Youth development
Industry-specific Terms
Showing familiarity with camp terminology signals you're part of the culture. Terms worth including (if applicable to your experience):
- Cabin leadership
- Age group specialization (e.g., "Junior counselor for Wildcats group, ages 7-9")
- Program areas (waterfront, arts & crafts, adventure, etc.)
- CIT (Counselor in Training) experience
- All-camp events
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to mention age groups you've worked with
- Omitting relevant certifications (even expired ones - note expiration date)
- Using overly formal language that hides your personality
- Including irrelevant work experience in detail
- Neglecting to mention specific activities or programs you can lead
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for watching kids at summer camp. Made sure they were safe and had fun."
After: "Supervised group of 9 campers (ages 10-12) during daily activities and overnight stays. Created and led 4 nature-based science projects that were adopted by other counselors. Recognized by camp director for successfully integrating a camper with social anxiety into group activities."
Remember, camp directors want counselors who combine responsibility with enthusiasm and creativity. Your resume should reflect not just what you've done, but how your unique approach made a difference to the campers you worked with!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Camp Counselor resume
- Group conflict mediation (defused 3 cabin rivalries last summer without escalating to director)
- Adaptive communication for diverse age groups (tweens through teens) and varied learning styles
- Weather-based activity replanning – can pivot entire day’s schedule on 20 minutes notice
- Calm crisis management even during the chaos of Color Wars week
- Junior counselor mentorship and development
- Behavioral management techniques for reluctant participants
Hard skills for your Camp Counselor resume
- CPR & First Aid Certification (American Red Cross, renewed 2023)
- Lifeguard Training with Waterfront Module
- Wilderness Navigation (map reading, GPS, trail marking)
- CampMinder software proficiency
- State-certified Food Handler (Level 2)
- Challenge Course Facilitation (low & high elements)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques
- Youth Mental Health First Aid certification
- Outdoor cooking methods (Dutch oven, camp stove, fire pit)